What Are Dubia?
The Dubia roach (Blaptica dubia) is a medium-to-large cockroach species native to Central and South America. Males grow up to 4 cm with wings, while bulkier females reach over 4.5 cm with a darker abdomen.
Despite having wings, male Dubia roaches cannot fly, and both males and females are poor climbers, making them easy to store and handle. In captivity, they are slow-moving, odor-free, and non-invasive, meaning they won’t infest your home or cause unwanted surprises.
Forget what you know about cockroaches—Dubia roaches are clean, quiet, and the perfect hassle-free feeder insect.
What todo when your roaches arrive >
Why Dubia Roaches are
The Best Feeder Roach:
✅ More Nutritious – High in protein (up to 23%), low in fat, and easier to digest with a soft exoskeleton.
✅ No Escape Risk – Unlike other roaches, dubias can’t climb smooth surfaces, jump, or fly, making them easy to contain.
✅ Longer Lifespan & Less Die-Off – Live up to 2 years, unlike red runners or discoids, which die off quickly.
✅ No Odor or Noise – Unlike crickets and other roaches, dubias don’t chirp, stink, or scratch inside enclosures.
✅ Won’t Infest Your Home – Need specific heat and humidity to survive, so escapees won’t breed in most climates.
✅ Easy to Store & Feed – Thrive in simple setups, require minimal care, and gut-load well for maximum pet nutrition.
Keeping Dubia Roaches
Getting Started: Housing & Setup
Enclosure
Container: A sturdy plastic bin or glass terrarium with smooth sides works best.
Ventilation: Ensure there’s good airflow. Cut out a portion of the bin lid and cover it with fine mesh or screen. This prevents excess humidity and helps avoid mold growth.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal Temperature: 85–90°F (29–32°C). Use a heat pad or heat tape on one side to create a warmer zone.
Humidity Range: Aim for moderate humidity—around 40–60%. Avoid keeping them too moist, as they can develop mold or attract mites.
Substrate & Hiding Places
Substrate (Optional): Many keepers go with a bare-bottom container for easy cleaning. If you choose a substrate, keep it dry and easy to replace.
Egg Crates or Egg Flats: Provide vertical surfaces for roaches to hide and climb on. Stack them so you can create separate “floors” and maximize space.
Feeding & Hydration
Diet
Roach Chow: A balanced roach chow offers a complete nutrient profile.
Fresh Fruits & Veggies: Supplement with carrots, leafy greens, oranges or apples for added moisture and vitamins. Avoid overly wet produce that can increase humidity and spoil quickly.
Oats & Whole Grains: Offer uncooked oats or bran, along with other whole grains, as a hearty, readily available food source that Dubia roaches will eagerly consume.
Water Source
Water Crystals or Gel: Provide hydration safely without the risk of drowning. Replace regularly.
No Standing Water: Open water bowls can spill and raise humidity or even pose a drowning risk to smaller roaches.
Routine Care & Cleaning
Remove Old Food: Check daily for moldy produce or leftover bits.
Spot Clean: Every 2–3 days (or at least once a week), remove any leftover food that can mold or spoil, and scoop out accumulated frass (droppings) or debris.
Deep Clean: Every 2–3 months, or more frequently if you notice significant waste buildup or a strong odor. For this, you’ll transfer roaches to a temporary container, thoroughly wash and dry the bin, then reintroduce the colony.
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A: No specific lighting is required. Ambient room light works just fine—though roaches generally prefer dimly lit areas.
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A: Under good conditions, Dubia roaches can breed monthly. Each female can have 20–40 nymphs at a time, so you’ll quickly see your colony grow.
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A: Local regulations vary. Always check your state or country’s rules regarding live insects before purchasing.
We cannot ship to Florida or Hawaii.
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A: Provide a constant supply of dry food—such as roach chow, oats, or bran—and offer fresh fruits and vegetables (in small quantities) every day or every other day. Be sure to remove uneaten produce before it spoils.
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A: It depends on your feeding needs and goals:
Occasional Feeding / Few Reptiles: If you have only one or two reptiles and you plan to feed roaches sporadically, you can start with as few as 25–50 mixed-size roaches. This will give you a small “stash” of feeders without a large breeding commitment.
Regular Feeding or Multiple Reptiles: If you rely on Dubia roaches as a primary feeder and want a consistent supply, consider 100 or more to establish a robust breeding group. The larger the starter colony, the faster it will grow and sustain ongoing feeding demands.
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A: It varies by species and age, but as a general rule of thumb:
Smaller/Younger Reptiles (e.g., juvenile geckos, juvenile bearded dragons): They may consume around 5–10 roaches per feeding, 2–4 times per week. That usually translates to roughly 40–80 roaches per month for a single animal (or 80–160 for two).
Adult Reptiles (e.g., adult bearded dragons): They often eat fewer insects as they mature, but may still have 20+ roaches per week. You might need 80–100 roaches per month for one adult lizard (about 160–200 for two).
Keep in mind these are broad estimates—actual consumption will vary by reptile size, species, and individual appetite. If you notice you’re running out or have lots of extras, adjust your monthly purchase accordingly.
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A: Most people use a heat pad or heat tape on one side of the enclosure. This creates a temperature gradient, letting roaches move to their preferred spot. Monitor temperatures with a reliable digital thermometer.
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A: Dubia roaches generally cannot climb smooth surfaces like plastic or glass. However, ensure your enclosure has a secure lid with proper ventilation to prevent accidental escapes.
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A: Dubia roaches are very quiet and produce minimal odor. If you notice an unpleasant smell, it typically indicates leftover food has spoiled or the enclosure needs cleaning.
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A: Remove any moldy food or substrate right away. Improving ventilation and reducing overall moisture (e.g., switching to water crystals instead of a water bowl) usually helps keep mold from recurring.
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A: Not necessarily. Many hobbyists keep adults, nymphs, and breeding females in one colony. However, some choose to separate newly born nymphs into a dedicated grow-out bin for easier feeding and maintenance.
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A: Dubia roaches typically give birth to live young rather than dropping oothecae in the enclosure. Occasionally, a female may drop an ootheca if stressed, but it’s usually retracted back in to continue developing internally.
Common Questions
Breeding Tips for a
Sustainable Feeder Colony
Sex Ratio
Optimal Ratio: About 1 male for every 3–5 females ensures consistent mating without stressing the females.
Conditions
Stable Warmth: Keep temperatures in the 85–90°F (29–32°C) range. Females need consistent heat to produce oothecae (egg cases).
Ample Food: Well-fed roaches breed more readily. Provide a constant supply of chow, oats/whole grains, and fresh produce.
Inspecting for Nymphs
Birth & Growth: Females give birth to live young (nymphs). You’ll see small, pale roaches roaming around—these are the new additions!
Separate if Needed: Some owners separate newborn nymphs into a grow-out bin to ensure optimal growth and easy feeding.
The Roach Cafe Difference
At Roach Cafe, we’re dedicated to providing healthy, robust Dubia roaches for your animals.
Whether you’re feeding a pet or two, starting a small colony for occasional feedings or building a large-scale breeder operation, our roaches come ready to thrive.
For further questions or guidance, feel free to reach out to us.